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is nn important one for folklorists, for it demonstrates the importance ofexpressive
behaviours for coping with the harsh realities orplantation life. lie writcs:
Ho\\cver oppressive or dehumanizing the plantation was, struggle for
sun'ival was not se\'ere enough to crush all of the slave's creative
instincts. Among the elements ofslave cullure were: an emotional
religion, folk songs and tales. dances, and superstitions. Much ofthe
slave's culture, language. customs. beliefs, and ceremonies· set him apart
from his master. His thoughts. values, ideals and behaviour were all
greatly innuenced by these processes. The more his cullura! forms differed
from those ofhis master and the more they were immune from the control
of\\ hites, the more the slaves gained in personal autonomy and positive
self-concepts.SO}
iy examination ofsimilar sources. my oral inten'iews with former migratOC)'
fishennen of e\\ found land. and my brief sojourn into their experience show that they lived
11 rich cultural life despite the hardships ofmigrant life: hardships associaloo with tra\-el.
accommod.uions, working conditions, health. education. wages, power. and status.
SO} John W. Blassingame. The S/m'e Community: P/amation Life in the Antebellum South
(NC\\ York: Oxford University Press. 19n),pp. 41- 42.
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